On a buying trip to the Fredericksburg Big Flea, Antique Trader columnist Melanie Thomas searches for items with the best profit margin but comes out nine months ahead on her Christmas shopping.
The antiques dealer goes retro at Virginia flea market
Author Archives: Melanie C. Thomas
Civil War shop owner asks: What makes people think I want to buy their old gold?
Civil War artifact dealer and new Antique Trader columnist Melanie Thomas asks: When did owning an antique store become synonymous with being a pawn shop/thrift shop/junk shop owner? "Dozens of people have called, e-mailed and traipsed through the doors of our Civil War artifact store lately in an attempt to hawk something. Do you see any costume jewelry in here? I don’t either."
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What Happens When Our Antiques Collections Plummet in Value?
A humorous look at what happens when our "treasures" plummet in value: How do we cope after realizing our prized antiques have depreciated into expensive dust collectors? Read More +
Brimfield antiques show is a social equalizer
Times, they are a-changing. Having just returned from the Brimfield show, I can’t help but make note of the differences between the 1999 and 2010 shows, the only two I have attended. The changes came as a shock. Read More +
Guest Column: Letter to the Civil War collector
I want to address some prejudices and presumptions experienced by me over the past 20 years caused by you, the collector of Civil War artifacts. I fervently believe you have no idea how patronizing your behavior can be; allow me to educate you. Read More +